Buckley inspired as Kilmurry finish with a flourish

Kilmurry 1-15 Iveleary 1-11 An outstanding display by William Buckley helped Kilmurry claim Mid Cork JAFC honours in a terrific final at Annahala on Saturday evening.

Buckley scored 1-8 over the hour but it was his 1-6 against the elements in the first half which proved crucial in this thrilling contest.

Iveleary started brightly and three superb frees from classy Cork minor Cathal Vaughan had the Inchigeela outfit 0-4 to 0-2 clear after 10 minutes.

However, Kilmurry played smart football against the wind and were rewarded with a fine Buckley goal in the 23rd minute to open a four point advantage, 1-6 to 0-5.

But the lead was short-lived. Within minutes Vaughan set up Brian Cronin with a tremendous 40 yard pass for a goal which was soon followed by an equalising point from Ed Buckley.

But Kilmurry’s Buckley continued to lead by example and his point was all that separated the teams at the break (1-7 to 1-6).

On the resumption, Vaughan edged his side in front with a well taken brace but Greg Barrett and Buckley quickly restored Kilmurry’s advantage. Iveleary goalkeeper Jamie Cronin denied Buckley a second goal with a terrific save as the momentum swung from end to end. A fine Ger McSweeney score brought Iveleary to within two points (1-11 to 1-9) after 50 minutes before Kilmurry stormed down the finishing straight.

Former Cork minor James White kicked a couple of huge scores from distance as the winners won out by four points after an enthralling fixture.